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VonJenny Kellerhals/Jan. 19., 2022 11:19 Uhr EST
If you ask 10 different people in Philadelphia which cheesesteak is the best, you might get 10 conflicting and equally passionate answers. When we decided to rate as many cheesesteaks as possible in 24 hours, we knew we had a lot of work to do.
We started with an incredibly informal poll of everyone we know about their favorite cheesesteak restaurants. We then took this huge list and put it all on a map of Philadelphia to see how we could try to be as efficient as possible. We've also tried to find a balance between famous venues, venues and fan favourites, places that are relatively easy to get to from the city center and some shops that you might not have tried yet. Overall, we got 13 cheesesteak points before we couldn't eat another bite.
Remember that a cheesesteak is a very personal thing. First there is the cheese: Almost everyone offers their cheesesteak with a selection of Cheese Whiz,Americanor provolone. We think you should go with whatever makes you happiest, but other than that, the cheese comes out better. There is also the question of "with" or "without" fried onions. We think you should pick them up, but as we learned during our tasting, sometimes that choice can backfire. When a restaurant tells you the best way to eat your sandwich, listen to them. Worst to first, this is how Philadelphia's best cheesesteaks stack up.
13. Genos Steaks
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1219 South 9th Street
There's just no good way to put it, but - the cheesesteak at Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia was wet, and nobody likes a wet sandwich.
The steak taste was good and seasoned, but the steak itself was sliced rather than chopped and more like steak umm slices or a roast beef and cheese hoagie (grilled). This intentional style of sliced steak isn't a bad thing in itself, but it's not what we were looking for in a cheesesteak. Since the steak wasn't chopped very finely, the steak to bun ratio seemed a bit off as the cheese whiz mixed with the steak fat and kind of slipped off the back of the sandwich. In the end it felt like a freshly made sandwich and after a few bites we had enough.
No market since 1966,Genos SteaksIt's one of Philly's most famous cheesesteak joints, largely due to its friendly rivalry with Pat's, just a few steps away. Geno's is open 24 hours a day and offers 17 different steaks, cheesesteaks and hoagies - which may be a better choice than the traditional cheesesteak. Anyway, Geno's is a popular cheesesteak destination for tourists and anyone wanting to eat late at night in a city where options are scarce after midnight.
12. Columns
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
108 South 18th Street
When you order a cheesesteak at Center City in PhiladelphiaColumns, get ready to receive a huge sandwich on a thicker plateBaguette-Bun style. We're not even talking about "The Cleaver" cheesesteak, which contains a pound of sirloin steak and costs almost twice the price of a regular cheesesteak, so we can only assume it's twice the size too. We were given the option to choose a cheese and we ordered this cheesesteak with American cheese.
Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed that the cheese on the bottom of the bun was barely visible, making the rest of the sandwich pretty bland. Of course, at the Cleavers, the steak is grilled on the grill, with the cheese slices melted on top, before the steak is tossed onto the bun as usual. Unfortunately, if the cheese isn't mixed into the steak, it gets lost underneath - especially in a sandwich this size.
Maybe Cheese Whizz would have spread better, or we should have asked for extra cheese. While we found the Cleavers cheesesteak lackluster, there are 11 creative cheesesteaks on the Cleavers menu, 12 additional chicken cheesesteak options, and up to five vegetarian options -- by far the most extensive sandwich options we've come across on our tasting adventure . We're willing to bet that once you find your match, there's something for everyone to love.
11. Sonny's Famous Steaks
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
Marktstr. 228
Almost every cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia claims to have the best cheesesteak in town, andSonny's famous steaksis no exception to the rule. Located on Market Street in Old Town Philadelphia, you're likely to find a group of tourists in front of this restaurant waiting to join one of the area's many historical tours. There are a handful of cheesesteak options on the block, all slightly different from one another, all claiming to be the best, and all geared towards travelers.
At Sonny's we ordered our cheesesteak with whiz, fried onions and peppers. The steak we had was okay, but we struggled to find much of the actual meat in the sea of peppers and onions on the sandwich. In a perfect world we would have a nice balance of all of this, but after a few bites, which were mostly fleshy colored peppers, we put this one down and moved on to the next shop. Next time we'll probably skip the chilies and maybe even try some of the blue cheese options Sonny offers.
10. Pat's King of Steaks
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
Avenida East Passayunk, 1237
Patsis Philadelphia's self-proclaimed king of cheesesteaks and claims to be the "creators of the steak sandwich". Since they've been around since the 1930s, we tend to believe them. Located across from the triangular intersection of Geno's, also open 24 hours and adorned with neon lights, this little part of South Philadelphia can be something to see on a summer night when everyone is looking for a bite to eat.
Once known for her short-tempered manner with customers (viaTripAdvisor), the cashier and the chefs at Pat's on this special day were patient and friendly as we placed our order. Within moments we received a beautifully constructed sandwich, comfortably stuffed with moderately ground beef, seasoned with fried onions and topped with a generous drizzle of Cheese Whiz.
The meat itself was nothing special and not seasoned with anything special as far as we could tell. Still, the sandwich itself was a lovely little package that would no doubt satisfy cheesesteak cravings any time of the day or night. While Pat's may not be the overall winner of our rankings this time around, it's safe to say that we prefer their sandwich to their competitor by a few steps.
9. Cosmi's Deli
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
1501 South 8th Street
Just three blocks from the bright lights of Pat'sCosmi Delicatessenon the corner of a mostly residential neighborhood in South Philly. While the cheesesteaks are just a fraction of what this deli has to offer, the place is still a great dinner option with just as many choices as the other guys.
We ordered a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and fried onions and enjoyed the Tastykake selection while our sandwich was made to order. The kitchen was busy preparing lunch orders, but the individual effort that went into our sandwich was evident the moment we unwrapped it, and the freshly made sandwich gave off a fragrant, meaty vapor.
The steak and fried onions were finely chopped during cooking, adding flavor to the meat filling. The whiz was the perfect balance of cheese and savory to pull the whole sandwich together. Even with several other cheesesteaks to try that day, this sandwich was hard to put down. If you are in South Philly you should stop by Cosmi's. They may not be open 24 hours a day, but they are open until 3am Thursday through Saturday.
8. Campus
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
Marktstr. 214
from campIt's one of three cheesesteak restaurants on Market Street in Old Town Philadelphia, but may be the oldest in the neighborhood. Founded in 1947 as a grocery store and butcher, over the years it has evolved somewhat into one of the most prestigious steakhouses in the area. For cheesesteaks and baseball enthusiasts, Campo's also has a cheesesteak stand in Citizen's Bank Park for baseball fans to enjoy while the Phillies are in season.
We got our American cheese and fried onion sandwich and were pleasantly surprised to bite into this sandwich. The meat has a well thought out flavor and seasoning that sets it apart from previous competitors. It tastes like a dash of Worcestershire sauce, but of course it's a secret we won't find out anytime soon. There was also a large amount of cheese on the campo sandwich, with onions that were a bit large but decently laced with each bite.
7. Jims Südstrasse
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
400 Südstr
Jim'sIt seems to be the only famous old-school spot in all of Philadelphia that locals and tourists alike can agree on—a true feat that comes from an incredibly diverse group of opinions. And we have to agree.
When it comes to Philadelphia greats, Jim's on South Street is a solid choice. The store opened in 1976 with a retro art deco design that hasn't changed to this day. At this point, the black, white and chrome decor is an iconic part of an already legendary shopping and nightlife district. It's a pleasure to just visit and see the place, but ordering a steak is definitely a bonus.
Part of the charm of Jim's is that you walk right up to the grill window and tell the chef what you want. The line moves quickly, so don't expect small talk, but feel free to ask questions if you must. Jim's has a finely tuned cheesesteak line that produces beautifully classic, flavorful sandwiches. We grabbed our cheesesteak with American cheese and fried onions and ate it outside while enjoying the view of South Street, and the combination of a well-made sandwich and festive atmosphere made dining at Jim's an atmosphere we couldn't get enough of could get.
6. Oh Brother Philly
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
Marktstr. 206
On the way to the top half of the Philly cheesesteak rankings, it's the little things that earn big points for a sandwich. Every cheesesteak includes bread, meat, cheese and in our case fried onions. But to put this at the top of our list, the cheesesteak has to be well built and made specifically to order - not on a high volume assembly line where the components have been pre-cooked. It must also have something special. Our last competitor in the Market Street Trifecta,Oh brother Philly, is relatively new to the cheesesteak game. But they picked up the art quickly and make what we think is the best cheesesteak we've tasted in Old Town.
We ordered this cheesesteak with American cheese which was generously loaded and tossed with the steak. The onions were also chopped with the meat giving it a delightful bite in every bite. The bun was also lightly toasted on the outside, which we thought was a nice touch. While Oh Brother has the usual selection of cheesesteaks, they don't claim to have the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia -- they do say they have the best in Old Town, along with the best burgers. We didn't try a hamburger this time, but it's clear that the place definitely likes beef.
5. Mikes BBQ
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
1703 South 11th Street
A few blocks off Passyunk Avenue in South Philly, in the middle of a residential area, is a small steakhouse with very limited hoursMikes BBQ. Rumor has it there's an unconventional cheesesteak that we absolutely had to try.
instead of the typicalsirloin steakLike almost every other cheesesteak maker in Philadelphia, this steakhouse makes its own delicious smoked breast cheesesteak in-house. As if that wasn't inventive enough, the folks at Mike's BBQ took it a step further and made their own Cooper Sharp Whiz, a creamy, sharp white cheddar alternative to the ubiquitous Cheese Whiz. Although slightly shorter than regular cheesesteaks, this cheesesteak is packed with perfectly cooked, juicy brisket that will easily fill you up.
A sprinkling of fried onions completes the cheesesteak for a fantastic new take on a sandwich that hasn't seen much innovation over the years. Oh, and it comes with a bag of thick-cut homemade fries, which also add a nice touch.
4. Chubbys Steaks
5826 Henry Avenue
Tucked away in North Philly about 15 minutes from downtown are some cheesesteak restaurants that locals love. one of them isfat steaks, which has been making cheesesteaks to order since 1987.
So what makes her so special? First of all,The meat is seasonedwith something no other cheesesteak has. Of course we don't know what the secret spice is, but it's phenomenal. Then the steak itself is chopped finer than most cheesesteaks, creating a sandwich that you don't have to tear apart to enjoy. The fried onions on it are well cooked and medium sized so you can tell when you have one.
And finally, the cheese (we ordered americano) is curled perfectly all over the steak. It's no exaggeration to say that this is the best American cheese steak, if that's your thing. But if you like yours with Provolone or Cheez Whiz, we imagine it would be just as spectacular. In addition to the amazing food, Chubby's also has a full service bar to help accompany your meal.
3. Joes Steaks + Soda Shop
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
1 West Girard Avenue
Joe's Steaks + Soda ShopIt was the first place we found just off I-95 on the way to Philly, and taking that magic meaty bite of that cheesesteak felt like it was welcome home. This location is the second the site has, the first being further up Northeast Philadelphia. Joe's is the only place we visited that offered cheesesteaks in two different sizes: a small sandwich that was said to be 6 inches and a large sandwich that was 8 inches. We got the small six-inch cheese whiz and fried onion sandwich, finished it all in under five minutes, and regretted not having gotten the larger cheesesteak.
Joe's is the quintessential Philly cheesesteak, with well-seasoned shredded beef that's not undersized or undersized. They are generous with the cheese, as we think it should be, and the onions are carefully placed on top of the sandwich. The meat-to-bun ratio is also satisfying without being overwhelming. You won't find anything out of the ordinary here, but what we think is the best example of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with whizz. We can't wait to try some of Joe's milkshakes and sundaes for the ultimate treat on our next trip.
2. Sanducheria de Woodrow
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
630 Südstr
Sanducheria Woodrowon South Street in Philadelphia only opened a shop a few years ago, and while they have a cheesesteak on their menu, it's the only one in a line of creative, artisanal-style sandwiches. On the menu, they work on the classics, including a meatball sandwich, shrimp po'boy, an Italian sandwich, and a sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich. But each sandwich is made with ingredients that make it so much more than the traditional prototype.
The cheesesteak at Woodrow's Whiz Whit is topped with a homemade truffle spirit, which they claim isn't canned. It also has a nice cherry pepper mayonnaise that adds a light but welcome kick to a sandwich that will definitely take the heat. Finally, it has caramelized onions tucked into the chopped steak. This cheesesteak takes second place in our ranking for its excellent technical execution, which is playfully combined with some more modern ingredients. With a cheesesteak this good, we're ready to try every sandwich on the menu.
1. Dalessandro-Steaks
Jenny Kellerhals/Tasting Table
Wendover Room, 600
Across the street from Chubby's Steaks you will find its competitor,Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies. At first glance the cheesesteaks seem to be interchangeable and choosing the best was a couple of bites. But in the end, Dalessandro's cheesesteak won in detail.
The steak itself tastes great and is finely chopped, a texture we prefer to other stores' medium-chunky chops. The amount of Cheese Whiz in the sandwich was absolutely perfect, oozing out of every corner of the steak. But what makes this cheesesteak stand out from all the others? The perfectly caramelized fried onions, delicately translucent, cook that last bit of crunch in a second. Neither mushy nor undercooked, they were by far the best onions on any steak in the race. what can we say When you compete at such a high level, it's the smallest advantage that can take you to the top. And so Dalessandro reached the top spot.
Of course, with hundreds of places to get a cheesesteak in Philadelphia, there are bound to be more great sandwiches to try, which just suits us. Once we recover from this taste adventure, we look forward to trying more!
FAQs
What is the number one cheesesteak in the world? ›
Charleys Philly Steaks bills itself as the home of the "World's Number One Philly Cheesesteak." But the company – now boasting 550 locations in 45 states and 20 countries – is based in Columbus, Ohio.
What's the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak? ›The Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak:
The most popular cheese is mild provolone. We have tested a variety of provolone brands and the only one we didn't enjoy was “aged” provolone from Costco. The flavor of aged provolone cheese was overpowering. Another popular option is white American cheese.
The movies' Rocky Balboa may be Philadelphia's most celebrated fighter, but this city's greatest rivalry is between two South Philly cheese-steak joints that may rival the Liberty Bell for iconic status: Pat's and Geno's.
Is Genos or Pats better? ›THEY ARE THE SAME.
What is this? The only real difference between Pat's and Geno's: the preparation of the meat. Pat's, like most authentic steaks in the city, is sliced thin and then worked on the grill. Geno's, in a move to differentiate, cooks their steak in thicker cubes/strips and then chop them on the grill.
GENO'S vs PAT'S
These two cheesesteak restaurants are natural competitors, as they are located right across the street from one another.
Ribeye is America's favorite cut of steak, enjoyed by 61% of survey respondents, followed by filet (47%) and T-bone (43%). We prefer our steaks with A. 1. Sauce (39%), followed by barbecue sauce (13%) and Worcestershire sauce (10%).
What do New Yorkers call a Philly cheesesteak? ›Philadelphia isn't the only city that can mix beef and cheese on a sub roll. New York City's version of the Philly cheesesteak is the chopped cheese, but the sandwich remains unknown to most New Yorkers.
What is the original cheesesteak cheese? ›Although Pat's original recipe used provolone cheese, the classic cheesesteak cheese has evolved over time. Many locations, including Geno's, use Cheez Whiz to make their cheesesteaks, while other use melted American cheese. Pat's transitioned to Cheez Whiz in the 1950s.
What is the secret to a good Philly cheesesteak? ›What makes a Philly cheesesteak authentic? First of all, it probably needs to be made in Philadelphia - hence the name. Second, traditional cheesesteak is made with thin sliced ribeye steak and cheese, served on an amoroso roll. Onions are a common topping for authentic cheesesteak sandwiches.
What kind of cheese does Pat's cheesesteak use? ›Pat's King of Steaks is now shipping its legendary Philly cheesesteaks nationwide on Goldbelly! Choose to get your cheesesteak Wit or Wit-Out onions; and with Whiz, Provolone or American cheese.
What is a normal Philly cheesesteak? ›
A classic Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is traditionally cooked on a griddle. It's a wonderful sandwich. When you bite into it you get the savory pieces of thin steak and melty, gooey cheese. Add in some good bread and caramelized onions and you are in for a treat!
What is Philly's signature sandwich? ›Philly's Signature Sandwiches: Cheesesteaks, Hoagies & Roast Pork.
Which cheesesteak is better Pats or Genos? ›Some cheesesteaks have steak that's chopped, and some have them in slices. Both Pat's and Geno's gives you the meat in slices. Personally, I liked the extra texture from Pat's steaks being bunched up instead of just in simple thin layers. So, once again, Pat's wins for me for meat!
What is the famous Philadelphia sandwich? ›The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city's most famous food. And Tony Luke's makes one of Philadelphia's best. Here in Philadelphia, cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw and a cultural obsession. Often imitated around the world, the cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia.
Are Pats and Genos cash only? ›Review of Geno's Steaks. Description: The place with the BEST Cheesesteak in Philly, Geno's was founded by one of Philly's own, Joey Vento in 1966. The man had two boxes of steaks, a few hot dogs, and $6 in his pocket when he turned on the grills at 9th and Passyunk.
Who does Genos have a crush on? ›Saitama (One-Punch Man) - Wikipedia
is Genos' drive. When he sees him fight, it encourages him to keep getting stronger and possibly reach that same level. So yes, it is a crush, but it's purely teacher-student type.
We use only the best, thinly sliced rib-eye steak so it grills up nice and juicy (never greasy). Our onions are always fresh, our bread always comes straight from the oven, and our cheese…well it's cheese.
Who was first Pat's or Geno's? ›Pat's was the first steak shop in Philly, and is credited as the first place in the US to sell a steak sandwich.
Does Pat's use cheese whiz? ›Although Pat's original recipe used provolone cheese, the classic cheesesteak cheese has evolved over time. Many locations, including Geno's, use Cheez Whiz to make their cheesesteaks, while other use melted American cheese.
What food is Philly known for? ›Philadelphia may be best known for cheesesteaks, but locals know a little secret: Get the roast pork instead. The no-frills John's Roast Pork in South Philly has been perfecting the sandwich since 1930, even earning a James Beard Award as an American Classic.
What was John Wayne's favorite steak? ›
John Wayne's Tennessee T- Bone Steak with Whiskey Butter - Home & Family. A mouth-watering steak that was one of John Wayne's favorites!
Which animal steak is best? ›- Beef. 1/8. It gets a bad rap. ...
- Lamb. 2/8. Like beef, lamb is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and iron. ...
- Bison. 3/8. This is one of the leanest red meats, which makes it healthier from the start. ...
- Goat. 4/8. ...
- Chicken. 5/8. ...
- Turkey. 6/8. ...
- Liver. 7/8. ...
- Pork. 8/8.
A hoagie bun is the traditional choice of bread, but you can use any thick, white bread. Submarine, or "hero" rolls also work great for a delicious homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
What do locals call Philly? ›Do locals call Philadelphia Philly? Philadelphia's nicknames include Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, The Birthplace of America, The City that Loves You Back, The City of Neighborhoods, The Quaker City and The Cradle of Liberty.
What state is known for Philly cheesesteak? ›| A cheesesteak sandwich with Cheez Whiz on a seeded roll | |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Created by | Pat & Harry Olivieri |
These cheesesteaks are made with juicy chopped ribeye, caramelized onions, golden brown mushrooms, and are smothered in gooey provolone cheese. All that goodness is wrapped up in a tender hoagie roll that's been slathered in a creamy garlic horseradish sauce!
Do you put mayo on Philly cheesesteak? ›Philly Cheesesteak Sauce – Mayo is the perfect sauce for a Philly cheesesteak. If you are wanting more of a punch, add horseradish to the mix or a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Other Cheesesteak Toppings – Some cheesesteak shops only add caramelized onions. Some also add bell peppers or mushrooms.
What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular cheesesteak? ›What is the difference between a cheesesteak and a Philly cheese steak? There is none. That's just kind of a marketing thing. Philadelphia has a connection with cheese steaks but you're not really eating a Philly cheesesteak unless you're in Philadelphia.
Does lettuce and tomato go on a Philly cheesesteak? ›When cheese is melted, slide the spatula under the meat and flip into a hinged long roll. Top with Lettuce, Tomato, Peppers and Raw Onions. Condiments welcome. Enjoy!
Do real Philly cheesesteak have peppers? ›For some reason, when out-of-towners create variations on the classic Philly sandwich, they always add bell peppers. Which, as just about any true Philadelphian will tell you, is not canon. A cheesesteak is meat, cheese, bread and sometimes onions — and that's it.
What does Jersey Mike's put on their Philly cheesesteak? ›
Grilled onions, peppers & white American cheese. This famous Philly cheesesteak is the real deal. It's grilled fresh to order with tender steak, peppers, onions, and white American cheese.
Why are Amoroso rolls so good? ›Amoroso's Italian rolls are known for their slightly crusty exterior, which contrasts nicely with the bread's softer interior. Not only does this provide a satisfying chew, but as Awesome!
Where is the original Philly cheesesteak? ›The original cheesesteak was credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who ran a hot dog stand near South Philadelphia's Italian Market. Legend has it that in the 1930s, the brothers wanted to offer new sandwiches. Their new item was grilled beef and onions in a toasted roll.
Does authentic Philly cheesesteak have peppers? ›For some reason, when out-of-towners create variations on the classic Philly sandwich, they always add bell peppers. Which, as just about any true Philadelphian will tell you, is not canon. A cheesesteak is meat, cheese, bread and sometimes onions — and that's it.
Where does Kevin Hart get his cheesesteak? ›Kevin Hart
Max's Cheesesteak is where it's at according to Hart. The comedian and "Jumanji" star's love of the eatery is so well known that he has a mural of his face on the building itself. Max's Cheesesteak is located at 3653 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.
To recap, a traditional version consists of only the following: ribeye beef, cheese (specifically Cheez Whiz), and either a hoagie roll or long Italian roll. Substitute any one of these ingredients and Philadelphia locals and loyal fans will deem your Philly cheesesteak inauthentic.
Should I put mayo on my Philly cheesesteak? ›Add more salt and pepper if desired. Open each roll, generously spread the garlic mayo on both sides of the hoagie rolls and fill it with the beef and vegetable mixture and top with provolone cheese slices.
Do you put mayo or mustard on Philly cheesesteak? ›Not need condiments
Unless your cheesesteak was made with Steak-umms (it shouldn't be), there's no inherent need for any ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, or other condiments.
These cheesesteaks are made with juicy chopped ribeye, caramelized onions, golden brown mushrooms, and are smothered in gooey provolone cheese. All that goodness is wrapped up in a tender hoagie roll that's been slathered in a creamy garlic horseradish sauce!
What is the difference between Italian cheesesteak and Philly cheesesteak? ›What's the Difference Between Italian Beef and a Philly Cheesesteak? A Chicago Italian beef sandwich is sliced roast beef on a roll, served with the cooking juice and topped with giardiniera. A Philly cheesesteak is made with slices of ribeye that have been cooked on a grill and served in a roll.